PhD position open

In our research group, we develop innovative catalyst materials that convert CO₂ emissions into value-added base chemicals (Carbon Capture and Utilization, CCU). Our current focus is on the synthesis of methanol via highly selective, impurity-tolerant catalysts based on MoS₂.

To advance this work, we are looking for a highly motivated and curious candidate to join us 

University Assistant (all genders)
(prae-doc, 30h/week, 4 years)

starting from 1.5.2026. 

As part of your PhD, you will investigate novel material systems based on sulfide–oxide combinations and address fundamental questions regarding catalyst function and surface reaction mechanisms. Find more details HERE, opens an external URL in a new window 

Interested? Please apply online via https://jobs.tuwien.ac.at/Register/265640, opens an external URL in a new window.

Our Research

Transformation of our industry and society to using non-fossil resources and energy carriers requires new catalysts. Our major topics of interest are centered around catalysis for energy and environment with a focus on CO₂ utilization for production of alcohols, selective oxidation or hydrogenation of bio-based molecules, such as alcohols and carbonyl compounds, and H₂ chemical storage and purification. 

We aim for understanding heterogeneous catalysts and catalytic reactions. For this, we combine operando spectroscopic characterization of catalysts, materials synthesis and reaction kinetics analysis. Thereby, we establish structure-performance relations and identify reaction mechanisms at surfaces. Understanding the elementary reaction steps and identification of the involved intermediates and surface sites is crucial for a rational design and improvement of catalytic materials. Materials of interest include high surface area metal oxides, sulfides and oxide supported (bi)metallic nanoparticles. 

We utilize a range of different state of the art techniques, most of them applied in situ/operando. A main focus is the application of vibrational spectroscopy during reactions both at the solid/gas and solid/liquid interface, including mechanistic studies, isotope labeling and modulation excitation experiments. We complement these studies by examining structure (XRD, EXAFS), electronic properties (XPS, XANES) and available surface sites (FTIR of probe molecules, temperature-programmed methods, chemisorption). NAP-XPS and XAS are carried out within measurements stays at synchrotrons. Several reactor setups are available for performing catalytic tests equipped with GC and MS detection of products.

Beside fundamental studies, we work on applied topics in collaboration with industry, address / focus on catalyst stability in realistic (contaminant-containing) feed gases, and work toward upscaling and application of our materials and processes (cf. Spin-off cool catalyst).

Our current research projects involve fundamental research as well as applied research:

• Catalytic CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol on impurity-tolerant catalysts (sulfides as sulfur-tolerant catalysts, mixed oxides, alternative synthesis routes)
• Surface chemistry, structure, and reactivity of multi-component oxide nanoparticles

See also SFB TACO, opens an external URL in a new window. 

• Condensation and hydrogenation of bio-derived carbonyl compounds
• Polyol hydrogenation over bifunctional catalysts to chemicals and fuel components
• Oxides for selective alcohol oxidation
• Additive manufacturing of materials with tunable shape and porosity for catalysis applications
• H₂ chemical storage: methanol synthesis and steam reforming 

Interested in our work? Join us!

We have always opportunities for Master and Bachelor theses. Please contact me directly: karin.foettinger@tuwien.ac.at

Ausgewählte Publikationen

1. G. Pacholik, L. Enzlberger, A. Benzer, R. Rameshan, M. Latschka, C. Rameshan, K. Föttinger*: In situ XPS studies of MoS₂-based CO₂ hydrogenation catalysts, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 54 (2021), 324002.

2. L. Lukashuk, N. Yigit, R. Rameshan, E. Kolar, D. Teschner, M. Hävecker, A. Knop-Gericke, R. Schlögl, K. Föttinger*, G. Rupprechter*: Operando insights into CO oxidation on cobalt oxide catalysts by NAP-XPS, FTIR and XRD; ACS Catalysis, 8 (2018), 8630.

3. A. Wolfbeisser, B. Klötzer, L. Mayr, R. Rameshan, D. Zemlyanov, J. Bernardi, K. Föttinger*, G. Rupprechter: Surface modification processes during methane decomposition on Cu-promoted Ni-ZrO₂ catalysts, Catalysis Science & Technology, 5 (2015) 967.

4. K. Föttinger, G. Rupprechter*: In situ spectroscopy of complex surface reactions on supported Pd-Zn, Pd-Ga and Pd(Pt)-Cu nanoparticles, Accounts of Chemical Research, 47 (2014) 3071.

5. K. Föttinger*, J.A. van Bokhoven, M. Nachtegaal, G. Rupprechter: Dynamic Structure of a Working Methanol Steam Reforming Catalyst: In Situ Quick-EXAFS on Pd/ZnO Nanoparticles, Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2 (2011), 428.

6. A. Haghofer, D. Ferri, K. Föttinger*, G. Rupprechter: " Who Is Doing the Job? Unraveling the Role of Ga₂ O₃ in Methanol Steam Reforming on Pd₂Ga/Ga₂O₃ "; ACS Catalysis, 2 (2012), 2305.

Links                                                                                   

Cool Catalyst: Co2ol Catalyst Homepage, opens an external URL in a new window

SFB TACO: SFB TACO (sfb-taco.at), opens an external URL in a new window               

DK CO2Refinery: CO2 Refinery | TU Wien, opens in new window

FemChem: Frontpage - FemChem (tuwien.ac.at), opens an external URL in a new window